The first production prototype of the modernized Apache landed at the US Army’s Redstone Arsenal Test Center and was put it through its paces to the delight of a media and contractor audience. The Apache Block III will feature Future Modular Force connectivity through seamless global information grid communications, Level IV Unmanned Aircraft System control, which means the Apache pilot will have control of the flight path and weapons systems on a UAV.
Monthly Archives: August 2011
US Congress Passes Short-Term FAA Extension – Ending Partial Shutdown
On 5 August, Congress passed a short-term FAA extension ending a two week partial shutdown of the FAA. The 14-day shutdown cost the federal government nearly $400 million in lost revenue because the FAA was not allowed to collect taxes on air tickets.
Airships Are Back in Fashion
In recent years, airships have once again become a major force in aviation. The Pentagon has gone especially blimp-crazy, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into advanced — and massive — surveillance airships that can stay in the sky way longer than any unmanned aircraft. Here is a review of some of the new generation by Wired’s Danger Room:
Mercury Delivers More Radar Subsystems to Raytheon
Mercury Computer Systems is delivering its radar subsystems to Raytheon for Patriot Air and Missile Defence System upgrades. The upgrades support Raytheon’s recently announced contracts for System upgrades for Taiwan and Saudi Arabia.
EOS Develops Laser-Sintering for UAS Parts
EOS, the world-leading manufacturer of laser-sintering systems, is developing UAV parts and promoting the use of laser-sintering as a competitive business strategy. Laser-sintering involves no tooling, and very little machining or fixturing, making it highly cost-effective and speedy for the low production runs of most UAVs.
Global Hawk Set to Replace U-2
Despite a spate of delays, second-guessing and cost overruns, the Global Hawk is once again on track to replace one of America’s most noted aircraft: the U-2 spy plane, famed for its role in the cold war and more recently Afghanistan.
Oregon State University and Economic Development Agency Partner on UAS Technologies For Natural Resource Management.
Economic Development for Central Oregon and Oregon State University announced that they have signed an agreement to develop technologies related to unmanned aerial systems that will benefit OSU’s academic and research programmes, particularly natural resource management.
Composite Engineering to Provide Unmanned Aerial Target Drones to Singapore
Composite Engineering Inc. (CEi), announced that it has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract with the Government of the Republic of Singapore. The contract was established to supply High Speed Aerial Target Drones to the Ministry of Defence of Singapore.